TOKYO/LONDON – Observed widely across the globe, the dedication of the second Sunday in May to honoring mothers, grandmothers, and key maternal figures takes on remarkably diverse cultural colors, according to a recent global survey of customs. While the underlying sentiment of gratitude remains universal, the observance integrates deep-seated traditions, commercial practices, and historical foundations across different continents.
The global celebration, which acknowledges maternal bonds and devotion, varies significantly in date, core rituals, and symbolic gifts across Asia and Europe, blending heartfelt personal gestures with broader public recognition.
Asia Embraces Filial Piety and Modern Gratitude
In Asia, the observance frequently weaves modern secular practices with enduring traditions of respect and filial duty. Carnations emerge as a dominant floral choice across several nations, symbolizing purity, love, and appreciation.
In Japan (Haha no Hi), the focus remains firmly personal; children commonly present mothers with carnations, hand-made items, or simple cards, prioritizing thoughtfulness and personal effort over expensive displays. This custom gained widespread recognition after World War II, fueled by Western influence on family cohesion.
South Korea broadens the scope by observing Parents’ Day on May 8, recognizing both maternal and paternal figures simultaneously. Here, children present flowers and earnest letters of appreciation, often within formal school programs that emphasize traditional Confucian values alongside modern emotional expression.
Conversely, China has widely adopted the May observance since the 1980s, largely driven by global media. The celebration sees the exchange of flowers and small tokens, showing a rising acceptance of international customs while maintaining traditional respect for generational hierarchy.
In the Philippines, the recognition extends beyond biological mothers to include grandmothers and other female figures essential to the family structure. Celebrations combine family meals with public ceremonies and religious observances, reflecting the country’s strong communal and religious ties.
European Observances Rooted in History
In Europe, contemporary Mother’s Day traditions often trace back to earlier religious or civic events, which now incorporate modern consumer choices.
The United Kingdom’s recognition retains historical links to Mothering Sunday, which occurs on the fourth Sunday of Lent. Originally a day for children working away from home to visit their “mother church,” the modern observance involves family gatherings, greeting cards, and gifts like flowers, chocolates, or spa treatments.
France (Fête des Mères), celebrated since the early 20th century, emphasizes personalized appreciation, where flowers, handmade gifts, and letters expressing gratitude are highly valued over commercial purchases. Similarly, in Italy (Festa della Mamma), shared family meals and handwritten notes featuring roses or carnations are central to the celebration, underscoring the importance of family togetherness.
In Germany (Muttertag), celebrated on the second Sunday of May, traditions include preparing breakfast in bed, giving flowers and chocolates, and enjoying family outings, blending intimate gestures with leisure activities. The Nordic countries, including Sweden, Norway, and Denmark, also favor quieter, more personal expressions, with small gifts, baked goods, and family meals highlighting closeness.
The pattern observed across Eastern Europe, including Poland and the Czech Republic, reveals a combination of secular and historical commemoration, using flowers, sweets, and family gatherings, often featuring school performances of poetry and song.
Universal Values, Local Expressions
While the methods of celebration vary—from the Japanese emphasis on simple gratitude to the UK’s adoption of historical charity days—the core purpose remains consistent: the acknowledgment of maternal love and the vital role mothers play in shaping families and societies. The choice of symbolic gifts, particularly flowers, serves as a universal mechanism to express deep personal appreciation across diverse cultural landscapes.
This global tapestry of Mother’s Day events underscores how deeply local cultural and historical values influence the expression of universal human bonds.